Praise the Lord. I will extol the Lord with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly. Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and compassionate. He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations. The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. They are established for ever and ever, enacted in faithfulness and uprightness. He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever— holy and awesome is his name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
— Psalms 111:1-10

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Praise the Lord!
By Jennifer Kane

I praise the Lord with my whole heart—
I praise You, God, before all people,
before Your people
and before all the world.

Praise the Lord, O my soul—
with all I am, I will praise,
before Your people and all the earth.

What marvels You have done, O Lord!
How beautiful, how grand—
all creation springs from Your hand.
In Your works, my awe deepens.

Majesty and glory are Your gifts;
Your righteousness has no end.
I will remember always
the wonders You have wrought.

Gracious and compassionate,
You remember Your promises,
revealing the power of Your works.

Glorious and majestic are Your deeds;
Your righteousness shines forever.
The wonders You perform
will remain in my heart always.

Lord, You are gracious and compassionate;
Your promises endure through all generations.
Your plans are established for eternity,
grounded in faithfulness, rooted in truth.

You redeem Your people,
ordaining Your covenant without end.
Holy and awesome is Your name.

The fear of the Lord is wisdom’s start;
all who follow Your words gain understanding.
Praise be Yours, O Lord, now and forever.

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Scriptures: Psalms 111:1-10

Psalm 111 is a beautiful celebration of God’s works, His character, and the reverent response we owe Him. So let’s explore how this psalm stirs both our worship and our understanding of God’s nature.

True praise requires the “whole heart.” Our gratitude to God is not merely an act but a total response, bringing our entire being into worship. In community, among those who love God, our worship finds strength, depth, and unity. How can I worship God with my whole heart today? What distractions might I need to set aside to offer Him my complete focus and gratitude?

God’s works are so vast and wonderful that they deserve deep, joyful study. Everything around us, from creation to the redemption story in Jesus, reflects the greatness of God’s work. The psalmist invites us to delight in these works—to find joy and wonder in learning about God’s creation and His mighty acts. Which of God’s works has recently stirred my heart to awe? How can I take time to study and appreciate His wonders today?

God’s love is enduring and faithful, shown through every act of mercy and grace. God desires that we remember His kindness and goodness, for they are constant. In our lives, His grace is visible each day—offering comfort, forgiveness, and the strength to press on. In what ways has God shown His mercy to me? How can I intentionally remember His faithfulness, even in difficult times?

A reverent fear of the Lord is foundational. This “fear” isn’t about dread; it’s a humble acknowledgment of God’s greatness and our dependence on Him. This attitude of reverence shapes how we live, granting us wisdom that only comes from walking closely with God. How do I approach God with reverence in my daily life? How might this healthy fear help guide my decisions and deepen my faith?

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Dear Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your great works and Your faithful love. Teach me to worship You with my whole heart, to remember Your kindness, and to walk in reverent fear before You. May my life reflect the wisdom that comes from knowing You.

So today let us marvel at Your works and awesome nature. Please allow these reflections to deepen my gratitude and draw me closer to my Creator, who is worthy of all our praise.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

November 12 2024